1 dunlin | Definition of dunlin
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dunlin

noun
dun·​lin | \ ˈdÉ™n-lÉ™n How to pronounce dunlin (audio) \
plural dunlins or dunlin

Definition of dunlin

: a small widely distributed sandpiper (Calidris alpina) that in breeding plumage is largely cinnamon to rusty brown above and white below with a large black patch on the belly

Examples of dunlin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Sightings in Nauset Marsh in Eastham included a royal tern, a Caspian tern, a black skimmer, a dunlin, and 3 American oystercatchers. — BostonGlobe.com, "Bird sightings on Cape Cod," 24 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dunlin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of dunlin

circa 1532, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for dunlin

dun entry 1 + -lin (alteration of -ling)

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More from Merriam-Webster on dunlin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dunlin

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